The Miami Heat have been trying very hard to get Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers.
So far, the Blazers haven’t been blown away by any proposal and have therefore kept the All-Star guard.
Although the Heat will give up a lot to sign Lillard, they have a few limits to what they will offer.
According to Sam Amico, via NBACentral, Miami has been “hesitant” to include Caleb Martin in a package for Lillard.
Miami has been hesitant to include Caleb Martin in a package for Damian Lillard, per @AmicoHoops pic.twitter.com/8Ri7PFOQLD
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 12, 2023
Since Lillard has demanded his trade, multiple stars from Miami have been mentioned as possible assets that could move to Portland.
The most common has been Tyler Herro.
However, reporting has said that Herro would likely be part of a three-team trade that would lead him to another team.
Martin could definitely be a good boost of energy for the Blazers.
He produced 9.6 points a game in 2022-23 and had a strong field goal percentage of 46.4%.
During his two years with Miami, he has played more and also contributed more.
It’s clear that the Heat see a future with Martin and aren’t willing to give him up just yet.
That is partly because his play style is similar to those of both Gabe Vincent and Max Strus.
Those two players parted ways with the Heat in the offseason and the Heat don’t want to give up another shooter.
But will they change their tune in the weeks ahead?
The Heat badly want Lillard but negotiations with the Blazers are tough.
If they wish to land Lillard, they’ll need to make some tough choices.
In the next few weeks, they’ll show just how committed they truly are to Martin.
NEXT: Heat Reportedly Targeting A Veteran Along With Damian Lillard
